The MOTU M4 is a compact 4-out, 2-in USB audio and MIDI interface built for pristine sound quality, fast performance and everyday practicality across studio work, live streaming, podcasting and mobile recording. Its main outputs employ ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, delivering a measured 120 dB dynamic range that rivals interfaces costing significantly more.
The same ESS conversion drives the headphone output of the MOTU M4 so detailed monitoring is consistent on speakers and headphones. Ultra-clean mic preamp circuits achieve a measured −129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs, allowing you to capture vocals, instruments and dialogue with very low noise and high clarity. Engineered for speed, the MOTU M4’s USB drivers provide class-leading 2.5 ms round trip latency at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer, so monitoring live mics, guitars and keyboards through your computer feels immediate.
A full colour LCD on the front panel of the MOTU M4 shows clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs, giving professional-grade visual feedback while you set gains and balance your mix. For streaming and podcasting, the driver supplies convenient loopback channels that route computer audio back to the host, where you can combine it with live mics or instrument inputs for simple, great-sounding broadcasts.
Connectivity on the MOTU M4 covers small studio needs with two XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line or Hi-Z guitar, two additional balanced 6.35 mm line inputs, four balanced 6.35 mm TRS line outputs plus four mirrored RCA outputs, a stereo headphone output with its own level control, and standard MIDI in and out. The MOTU M4 connects via bus-powered USB-C and is compatible with USB Type A.
MOTU provides a Windows driver and an optional Mac driver, and it is iOS compatible when used with an adapter kit and powered USB hub. Sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz are supported. The interface offers plug-and-play operation, hardware direct monitoring, independent +48 V phantom power per mic input, and a rugged metal construction sized for travel, stage or desktop.
To get you creating immediately, the MOTU M4 includes Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite, plus over 6 GB of loops, one-shots and sounds from Big Fish Audio, Lucidsamples and Loopmasters. Performer Lite adds over 100 virtual instruments and a wide range of effects and guitar processing, while Live Lite 11 provides essential Ableton workflows for recording and performance. MOTU’s decades of award-winning engineering across music, touring, broadcast and film underpin the MOTU M4’s design and reliability.
Features
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology on main outputs
- Measured 120 dB dynamic range on outputs
- Measured −129 dBu EIN on mic inputs
- ESS-driven headphone output
- Ultra-low 2.5 ms round trip latency at 96 kHz with 32-sample buffer
- Full colour LCD with detailed meters for all inputs and outputs
- Loopback channels for streaming and podcasting
- 2 mic/line/Hi-Z inputs on XLR/TRS combo sockets
- 2 additional balanced 6.35 mm line inputs
- 4 balanced 6.35 mm TRS line outputs plus 4 mirrored RCA outputs
- Stereo headphone output with front-panel volume
- MIDI in and out
- Bus-powered USB-C, compatible with USB Type A
- Windows driver and optional Mac driver
- iOS compatible with adapter kit and powered USB hub
- Plug-and-play operation with hardware direct monitoring
- Independent +48 V phantom power per mic input
- Rugged metal construction
- 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates
- Includes Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite and 6 GB of loops and sounds
